Introduction to Soplang

Welcome to the official documentation for Soplang, a Somali-first programming language that makes coding intuitive, inclusive, and accessible.

What is Soplang?

Soplang (short for Somali Programming Language) is a culturally-rooted programming language designed and developed by Mr Sharafdin (Sharafdin Yusuf Sharafdin). It allows developers to write code in native Somali syntax using familiar keywords, expressions, and structures — making programming feel natural and accessible.

Language Goals

Simplicity

Clean, easy-to-read syntax that makes programming concepts clear and approachable.

Education

Built with learners in mind, making programming accessible to students and beginners.

Localization

Fully Somali-first keywords and structures, embracing Somali language and culture.

Accessibility

Removes English-language barriers, opening programming to a wider Somali-speaking audience.

Key Features

  • Dual Typing: door for dynamic, and abn, jajab, qoraal etc. for static typing flexibility.
  • Object-Oriented: Support for fasalka, ka_dhaxal, cusub, and nafta.
  • Control Flow: Clean syntax for conditionals (haddii, haddii_kale, ugudambeyn) and loops (kuceli, intay).
  • Error Handling: With isku_day and qabo for robust error management.
  • Native Tooling: Includes CLI, Standard Library, and REPL.

Example Code

example.sop
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// Hello World
qor("Hello, World!")

// Variables
door name = "Faarax"
qoraal title = "Soplang Developer"
abn age = 10

qor("Name: " + name)
qor("Title: " + title)
qor("Age: " + qoraal(age))

// Function
hawl greet(person) {
    celi "Hello, " + person + "!"
}
qor(greet(name))

// If/Else
haddii (age > 18) {
    qor("You are an adult")
} ugudambeyn {
    qor("You are underage")
}

// For Loop
kuceli (i 1 ilaa 5) {
    qor(i)
}

// While Loop
abn counter = 5
intay (counter > 0) {
    qor(counter)
    counter = counter - 1
}

qor("Done!")

Tooling Ecosystem

CLI Tool (sop)

Run code, manage projects, and handle packages.

VS Code Extension

Syntax highlighting, inline docs, and code execution.

REPL Environment

Interactive terminal environment with history and syntax highlighting.

sopScript Runtime

Run Soplang directly in the browser for demos and learning.

Get Started Today

Community & Contribution

Soplang is open-source under the MIT License. Everyone is welcome to contribute to its development.